KINGMAN – A Kingman man who was shot when he challenged local police entered a plea agreement Friday, Oct. 25. Andrew Romero, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts reduced to attempted aggravated assault.
Deputy Mohave County Attorney James Schoppmann said Romero placed Kingman Police Sgt. Kenneth Morris and officer Daniel Wright in reasonable apprehension of serious physical injury involving a deadly weapon.
The officers reportedly responded at 7:40 p.m. last Dec. 29 when a neighbor reported hearing an argument within the home. Schoppmann said Romero’s significant other and a toddler exited the residence first. He said the defendant subsequently came out the front door with a loaded and fully functional shotgun.
Schoppmann said Romero urged police gunfire in an attempted “suicide by cop” scenario.
“What are you going to do shoot me,” Romero reportedly said. “I wish you would.”
Sgt. Morris reportedly discharged his duty-issued firearm, striking Romero, who was flown to Las Vegas for hospital treatment.
Terms of the plea agreement require Mohave County Superior Court judge Derek Carlisle to send Romero to prison for 8.5-years during a Nov. 25 sentencing hearing. Romero will be on probation following incarceration.
Dave Hawkins
